Terrace Downs Resort

Other Activities

Heading away from Terrace Downs for the day?

Check out these activities in the wider Canterbury region!

Tekapo

Tekapo is one of the must see’s for your list while travelling the South Island. The Mt John Observatory is open for Earth and Sky Astronomy Tours. Featuring a 1.8m telescope, this observatory is the perfect way to discover the night sky. The views are stunning, overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. In the village you will find the Winter park complete with hot pools, supplied by heated alpine water.

Antarctic Centre

Embark on a journey to the frozen continent without leaving Canterbury… The International Antarctic Centre provides visitors of all ages with a fun, interactive and exciting experience of Antarctica.

Experience snow, ice, and a storm, learn about life in modern-day Antarctica at Scott Base, and chill out with Little Blue Penguins! There’s also the famously exciting Hagglund ride, an awesome simulated 4D cruise, plus heaps more! Brace yourself for an indoor snowstorm, shelter in an ice cave, and brave a wind chill of up to -18 degrees C. Don’t worry, warm jackets will be provided!

Whale Watching

Experience an exciting close-up encounter with one of the world’s largest toothed predators, the Giant Sperm Whale, in their natural environment.

Whale Watch Kaikoura has a 95% success rate of seeing a whale in the wild. A typical tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins, and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Seasonally, you may also have the chance to see Humpbacks, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales or Southern Wright Whales on their migratory routes.

Tours run all year weather permitting, with three tours a day. Book your trip with Terrace Downs and travel to Kaikoura for the day. Children under 3 years are not permitted on the tours.

Big Rock Canyoning

Experience an unparalleled mix of fun, challenge and excitement! This new must-do New Zealand adventure activity lets you jump, slide, abseil/rappel, zip, flip, and enjoy Nature’s water park.

Join fun, safe, internationally-trained, experienced guides to some of the best canyon access in the country. Warm gear and food are included, as well as photography and videos to keep a record of all the action. Guides drive you to the top for 2-4 hours of downhill action adventure. Stand at the top of a big rock, and push off and into the water below.

Choose from two different canyons. Tours available from October to April, and take around 6 hours. Pickups from Terrace Downs can be arranged with prior notice. Big Rock Canyoning is approximately one hour south of Terrace Downs Resort. Contact us to find out more and book.

Skydiving

Tandem skydiving allows you to free-fall above breath-taking views, without all the training. Fall at speeds of up to 200 km/h, and watch the horizon stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps. This will be a sense of freedom like you’ve never experience, all while securely harnessed to a friendly and experienced instructor.

Jumps can range from 6,000ft to 12,000ft, so pick your altitude and get ready for the experience of a lifetime! For information and bookings, contact us.

Hot Air Ballooning

Escape to a world of peace and tranquility. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating effortlessly over an ever changing landscape.

Prices:

$395.00 from 01 October 2016

$320.00 (12 years and under, minimum height 1.1 meters)

Hot air ballooning is weather dependent. We recommend that you book near the start of your stay in Canterbury so that if the weather is not suitable you have the chance to re-book on another day.